Partnering with older people as peer researchers
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Date
2021-08-01Author
Daly-Lynn, Jean
Washbrook, Margy
Ryan, Assumpta
McCormack, Brendan
Martin, Suzanne
Metadata
Show full item recordCitation
Daly-Lynn, J., Washbrook, M., Ryan, A., McCormack, B. & Martin, S. (2021) 'Partnering with older people as peer researchers', Health Expectations, 24(5), pp. 1879-1889.
Abstract
Background: The term peer researcher describes the role of a person who has similar characteristics and can identify with the participant group in a research study. This paper describes the methodological approach and experiences of older people who were peer researchers on a study that explored the lived experience of people with dementia who lived in technology-enriched housing. Methods: Nine people responded to a public recruitment campaign through nongovernment organisations using multiple methods such as seniors' forums, development officers and social media. Mandatory training across 2 days was provided
and seven peer researchers successfully completed the training. A total of 22 interviews were undertaken by the seven peer researchers. The data collected from
the training feedback proforma (N = 7), interview debrief forms (N = 22) and final
evaluation forms (N = 5) were analysed using content analysis and triangulated. Results: Five core themes emerged from the data using a content analysis approach to examine the peer researchers' experience: (1) skill development; (2)
recognition of competencies; (3) connection; (4) supplementary information;
and (5) the triad dynamic. Conclusions: Considerations to enhance the peer researcher experience emerged
including enhanced communication training, consideration of the optimum number
of peer researchers to balance workload and identification of the characteristics that
enable people to connect as peer researchers. Future research should consider the
impact that experiential skill development has on the data collected. Public Contribution: Older people conducted qualitative interviews as peer researchers with people living with dementia to cocreate knowledge.